Medical experts and public safety officials agree that the installation and proper use of a car seat is the most important thing you can do to protect your children while they are riding in a car. Most parents understand.  However, it's surprising how many parents don't realize that they've still left their child at risk of injury by not installing them the right way in their vehicle.

That's why a variety of public safety agencies have provided car seat clinics - free of charge - for parents, grandparents, or anyone who needs to transport a child; these clinics are an excellent way to either have their car seats checked out for proper installation, or to get help in that installation process.

There are a variety of state laws that regulate when and how a car seat should be used and it's worth knowing the basics:

  • Minnesota law states that "a child cannot ride in just  seat belt until they are age 8 or four-feet, nine-inches tall - whichever comes first. It is recommended, however, to keep a child in a booster [seat] based on their size rather than age."
  • Wisconsin law states that "children must be in a car seat until they reach age 4 and 40-pounds, and in a booster seat until they reach age 8, more than 80 pounds in weight, or more than four feet, nine inches".

For many years, the Superior Fire Department - in conjunction with the City of Superior - has offered free car seat clinics. Usually these are scheduled once a month.

The next of these events will happen on Thursday, April 6  from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Superior Fire Department Headquarters:  3325 Tower Avenue.

It's strongly recommended that anyone who cares for children (parents, grandparents, etc) and needs to transport them checks out the availability of these clinics. Due to scheduling, the fire department can not "support drop in car seat installations" at other times.

For more information, call 715-395-1680.

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